Does Freezing Hurt a Beef Tenderloin

Want to stash a steak in the freezer? Here's how you should be freezing your steak.

Few meals are as decadent and delicious as a good home-cooked steak. If you're not going to eat meat within a couple days of purchasing—or if you've stocked up on a sale—we've got good news: steak freezes really well. Here's a complete guide to freezing steak.

How to Freeze Steak

Raw steak is easy to freeze. Remove from the grocery packaging, which probably has too much air in it, and wrap it well. Store steak in the coldest part of the freezer: the bottom shelf.

Here's how to freeze anything.

How to Wrap Steaks for Freezing

It's important to wrap steak (and all meats) well before freezing. Wrap in at least two layers, like plastic wrap and then aluminum foil or parchment paper in a freezer bag. Wrap the meat tightly, pressing as much air out of the packaging as possible, since exposure to air can cause freezer burn. Here's how to get a practically airtight seal on your freezer bags. Label the package with the contents and the date, so you don't lose track of a good steak in the freezer.

How Long Can You Freeze Steak?

For the best quality, juiciness and texture, use steak within six months of freezing. Steak may be safely frozen for longer, up to a year, but could be more susceptible to freezer burn.

Note that once you've defrosted steak or any other meat, it's not safe to refreeze it. If you can't eat it right away, cook it and then freeze again.

Here's how long other common foods keep in the freezer.

Does Freezing Steak Affect Taste?

Nope! If you properly wrap your steak and don't leave it for ages, steaks will taste delicious even after freezing. You can use a defrosted steak in any steak recipe.

Does Freezing Steak Make It Tough?

Nope! Freezing steak shouldn't change the texture of steak. The cut of beef has the most bearing on tenderness: tender cuts, like filet, will remain tender, while fattier cuts, like flank, will remain chewier; here's a guide to all the types of steak and how to cook each.

How to Defrost Steak

Defrost steak slowly, in the refrigerator; how long it'll take depends on the thickness and size of the beef, but it'll generally be overnight to about one full day. Midway through the defrost, remove the steak from its packaging, pat dry and place on a plate or container, uncovered; return to the fridge until completely defrosted. This will help the meat to dry, giving you the best texture and browning.

Pop Your Steak Out of the Freezer and Make One of These Delicious Steak Dinners

Steak with Chipotle-Lime Chimichurri

Steak gets a flavor kick from chimichurri. This piquant, all-purpose herb sauce is so versatile, it complements most any grilled meat, poultry or fish. —Laureen Pittman, Riverside, California

Beef Filets with Portobello Sauce

These tasty steaks seem special, but they are fast enough for an everyday dinner. We enjoy the mushroom-topped filets with crusty French bread, a mixed salad and a light lemon dessert. —Christel Stein, Tampa, Florida

Flank Steak with Cilantro & Blue Cheese Butter

I love the combination of the sweet citrus marinade and the strong tang of the blue cheese butter. And my kids just love flank steak. —Gwen Wedel, Augusta, Michigan

Also check out how to make the best steak marinade.

Grilled Onion & Skirt Steak Tacos

I grew up watching my grandmother and mother in the kitchen. My grandparents came from Mexico, and these skirt steak tacos marinated in beer and lime juice honor their passion for cooking. —Adan Franco, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Beef and Blue Cheese Penne with Pesto

Unique and simple to prepare, this delicious pasta dish is filled with fresh flavors, and it's as healthy as it is hearty. Best of all, it takes just 30 minutes to set this meal on the table. —Frances Pietsch, Flower Mound, Texas

Garlic Grilled Steaks

Take steak to new flavor heights by basting your choice of cuts with an amazing garlicky blend that requires only a few minutes to fix. It will be a mouthwatering change of taste at your next outdoor gathering. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Learn how to repurpose last night's dinner into one of these amazing leftover steak recipes.

Flank Steak with Couscous

It takes just minutes to broil this nicely seasoned flank steak. Slice the meat on an angle across the grain for the most tender results. You can substitute a pound of sirloin steak for the flank steak if you prefer. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Summer Steak Kabobs

These steak kabobs not only satisfy my love of outdoor cooking, they feature a mouthwatering marinade, too. It's terrific with chicken and pork, but I prefer it with beef because it tenderizes remarkably well. —Christi Ross, Guthrie, Texas

Stuffed Flank Steak

I like to make this on special occasions. The tender steak cuts easily into appetizing spirals for serving, and extra stuffing cooks conveniently in a foil packet on top of the steak. —Diane Hixon, Niceville, Florida

Tenderloin with Horseradish Cream Cheese

My husband and I both love the classic combination of beef and horseradish. He asks me to make this for dinner often, and I'm always happy to. Try serving with baked potatoes as a side.—Mary Lou Cook, Welches, Oregon

Beef Tenderloin in Mushroom Sauce

When our kids are visiting Grandma, I make this recipe for just my husband and myself. It's a recipe my mother-in-law has been using for more than 30 years. I especially look forward to preparing it as part of a special Valentine's Day menu. —Denise McNab, Warminster, Pennsylvania

Teriyaki Steak Skewers

When these flavorful skewered steaks are sizzling on the grill, the aroma makes everyone around stop what they're doing and come see what's cooking. The tasty marinade is easy to make, and these little steaks are quick to cook and fun to eat. —Jeri Dobrowski, Beach, North Dakota

Southwest Steak & Potatoes

Bold seasonings give meat and potatoes a Southwest twist. Feel free to adjust the heat factor by using more or less chili powder. —Kenny Fisher, Lancaster, Ohio

Maple & Blue Cheese Steak

This is a wonderful, cheesy recipe that melts in your mouth. I love this traditional Canadian meal. It certainly has a special feel; the sauce is a fantastic complement to steak. —Susan Jerrott, Bedford, Nova Scotia

Grilled Steaks with Greek Relish

My ribeye steak showcases the flavors of Greece my husband and I were introduced to while on a cruise. We like it with pita bread and hummus. —Mary Lou Cook, Welches, Oregon

Flank Steak with Cilantro Salsa Verde

Even though steak is always a winner in our house, to make it even more special I add jarred salsa verde and top with freshly chopped tomato and avocado. —Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia

Smoky Espresso Steak

This juicy steak rubbed with espresso, cocoa and pumpkin pie spice is one of my husband's favorites. Broiling is a good year-round method, but we love making it on the grill, too. —Deborah Biggs, Omaha, Nebraska

Grilled Steaks with Marinated Tomatoes

The flavor of the tomatoes improves after they marinate overnight. I could eat them all by themselves! Our family likes these steaks best served with cheesy potatoes or glazed green beans.—Anna Davis, Half Way, Missouri

Balsamic-Seasoned Steak

This simple recipe ensures a tender steak without a long marinating time. Steak sauce and balsamic vinegar are a great team, and you can't go wrong with melty Swiss on top.

Tenderloin Steak Diane

Sometimes, I add more mushrooms to this recipe when my son's eating dinner—he loves them, and they are just fantastic with the steak. — Carolyn Turner, Reno, Nevada

Blue Cheese Flat Iron Steak

This is one of my favorite flat iron steak recipes. If you haven't already enjoyed the rich, creamy pairing of blue cheese with your favorite steak, stop reading and get cooking! I take it a step further by folding in a little butter to make the dish even more drool-worthy. —Amanda Martin, Monson, Massachusetts

Chili-Rubbed Steak & Bread Salad

We love skirt steak in our house. To make it a meal, I created a ranch-inspired bread salad with the best flavor combinations - creamy, tangy, sweet and fresh. — Devon Delaney, Westport, Connecticut

Grilled Ribeyes with Herb Butter

I make this recipe for special occasions. The tantalizing fragrance of the herbs de Provence is unforgettable. The seasoning and herb butter goes well with filet mignon, T-bone and steak strips, too. —John Baranski, Baldwin City, Kansas

Tenderloin Steaks with Cherry Sauce

This recipe stars a delectable sauce made with wine, plump cherries, and steak portioned just right. —Jacob Kitzman, Seattle, Washington

Blue Cheese-Crusted Sirloin Steaks

My wife adores this steak—and me when I fix it for her. She thinks it's the ideal dish for Friday night after a long workweek. —Michael Rouse, Minot, North Dakota

Chipotle-Honey Grilled T-Bones

If you like to kick things up on the grill, this is the steak for you. My husband even makes this in a Dutch oven, and the meat just sizzles. —Donna Goutermont, Sequim, Washington

Glazed Beef Tournedos

I found this wonderful, quick recipe in a book years ago. It's been a favorite for special occasions ever since! I like to serve it with twice-baked potatoes and a spinach salad. —Janet Singleton, Bellevue, Ohio

Peppered Filets with Horseradish Cream Sauce

This beef tenderloin recipe is a family favorite that's quick and always satisfying. The creamy sauce has the perfect blend of horseradish and mustard. —Marie Rizzio, Interlochen, Michigan

Steak au Poivre for 2

With the punch of peppercorns and a smooth, beefy sauce, this steak is delicious. You'll love the hint of sweetness the bittersweet chocolate adds to the savory meat. —Crystal Bruns, Iliff, Colorado

Steak Diane

When I want to provide a memorable dinner but don't want to spend hours in the kitchen, this is the recipe I rely on. I've used it many times on holidays or other occasions for a quick, impressive main dish. We relish the savory steak Diane sauce. —Pheobe Carre, Mullica Hill, New Jersey

Grilled Steak Pinwheels

I've been serving this recipe to family and friends for 20 years and very seldom do I have any leftovers. We try to keep the house cool, so we grill out often. —Mary Hills, Scottsdale, Arizona

Easy Marinated Flank Steak

I got this recipe from a friend's collection many years ago. It's how my family makes steak on the grill and a must when we're having company. —Debbie Bonczek, Tariffville, Connecticut

Also don't miss our 16 types of steak everyone should know.

Surf & Turf

For an intimate dinner with close friends, serve this stunning dinner of tenderloin steaks and lobster tail. Your guests will think they are dining at a fine restaurant when you serve them this surf and turf dish. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Saucy Skillet Steaks

These juicy ribeye steaks couldn't be easier. I prefer steak, but I've also used the seasonings on chicken breasts, fish, veal and hamburgers, so use whatever meat or fish you have. —Karen Haen, Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin

Bacon-Wrapped Filets with Scotched Mushrooms

I got the idea for bacon-wrapped filet mignon when I saw some on sale in the grocery store. The rest was inspired by my husband, because he once made a Scotch and ginger ale sauce. This elegant recipe is for two, but it can easily be doubled. —Mary Kay LaBrie, Clermont, Florida

Merlot Filet Mignon

Although this is a simple recipe, the filet is rich and elegant enough for a special occasion. Add a salad and rolls, and dinner is done! —Jauneen Hosking, Waterford, Wisconsin

Chocolate-Chipotle Sirloin Steak

Looking to do something a little different with grilled sirloin? Add smoky heat and chocolaty rich color with this easy 5-ingredient rub. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Steak with Citrus Salsa

A lime juice marinade really perks up these grilled steaks, and the snappy, light citrus salsa is a super change from the usual heavy steak sauce. I brighten up winter meals by broiling the meat and serving it this way. —Kathleen Smith, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Skillet Steak Supper

With all the ingredients cooked in one skillet, this steak dish couldn't be quicker to prepare—or to clean up! But the wine and mushroom sauce makes it seem special. —Sandra Fisher, Missoula, Montana

Up Next: Learn how to sear a steak in 5 simple steps

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Source: https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/freezing-steak-how-to/

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